This review summarises the microbiological activity and clinical efficacy of octenidine, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that is currently available as a gel and irrigation solution for wound care, as well as a body wash for decolonisation. The review considers the experimental and clinical evidence showing that octenidine-containing products improve outcomes across a range of settings including burns, pressure and leg ulcers, without compromising wound healing or producing clinically significant cytotoxicity. Furthermore, decolonisation with octenisan® wash lotion could reduce pathogen carriage from the community into hospital, facilitating infection control.
